ASSYRIANS CELEBRATE GENOCIDE MONUMENT VICTORY
by Emmanuel George Brikha

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16/12/2009 at 04:48 AM

After weeks of opposition from local Bonnyrigg residents and members
of the Turkish community in Sydney’s West, Fairfield City Council last
night approved an Assyrian Genocide statue and park for the Assyrian
community of Sydney.

More than 300 people from Sydney’s Assyrian, Armenian and Turkish
communities gathered at the Council building at Wakeley in Sydney’s
west in protest of support and opposition to the application for
the statue.

A heavy police presence, with mounted officers, and the riot and
public order squad were present to prevent any violence at the
council meeting.

Once the news of the approval was received outside at the protests,
Assyrian supporters began to chant and raise flags in support of the
decision. While members of the Turkish community and other opposition
groups were kept away by police.

The Assyrian Genocide statue was supported and voted for by all five
Assyrian councillors on Fairfield council despite a public petition
of more than 800 signatures opposing the application.

Christian democratic party leader Reverend Fred Nile also made a
surprise appearance to show support for the Assyrian community.